Initially, we searched the website of Leeds City Council (our local council) to establish whether a “climate emergency” had been declared. We discovered that it had and so identified the resolution to declare the said “climate emergency” and thus the date of the same.
Next we sent the following Freedom of Information Request (FOIR):
- What is the council’s definition of a “climate emergency”;
- Please disclose the evidence, data, correspondence or other documents in support of the council’s decision to declare a “Climate Emergency”;
- Please disclose a list of policies that have been introduced as a consequence of the “Climate Emergency”;
- Please disclose a list of strategic “Climate Emergency” partners;
- What or who is “Team Leeds”? If relevant, how is it/they funded? and
- Please disclose a list of its/their strategic partners.
The result?
A wholly inadequate response! However, it did provide a link to a critical document which informed our first letter on the “Climate Emergency” and “Net Zero” policies, which went to all ninety-nine councillors, numerous MPs, media outlets and various organisations in the sustainable development/green arena.
Both the FOIR, the FOIR response and the subsequent letter can be read in full by clicking here.
Environmental Information Request
It is worth noting that in the response to the FOIR the council deemed our FOIR to be an “Environmental Information Request (EIRR). Further research revealed that our original request should have indeed been sent as an EIRR. Please bear this in mind when contacting your own council. You can find information on how to make an FOIR and an EIRR by clicking here.
Media Campaign
We are currently working on a media campaign to raise awareness which involves banners on bridges and handing out business cards both of which are designed to drive people to this website. The artwork for both is provided in the ‘What You Can Do’ section opposite so please feel free to use it.
